Computer Class Descriptions

Computers for Absolute Beginners	To qualify for this class, you need to be completely honest J Don't feel bad that you don't know a mouse from a monitor; we all started out that way. This class is especially for you, so that you can learn the best way to work with the mouse, monitor and keyboard. It's all very practical, so it will be painfully tedious for those who have some experience. I don't expect you to have to come to this more than about three times before you'll be ready to move into the "Windows for Beginners" class.
Computers for Seniors	These are the most flexible of our classes, because we try to answer questions that people have, and if they can't think of any, we'll base the class on what's of current interest. For example: how do I get people to stop sending me chain letters and stupid jokes, where can I find a penpal, how safe is it to buy and sell on eBay or Amazon, how do you use the Lane catalog online, what's USB? We just can't predict what comes up, but we'll enjoy ourselves, and you'll walk out feeling a lot more competent. You need to have reasonable mouse and keyboarding skills to be at home in this class.
Beginning WORD, EXCEL or POWERPOINT	Microsoft Office is a suite of programs that all interact. These three are the building blocks for using a word processor, spreadsheet or presentation program. We train you on the basics and the things that are common to each, such as the toolbars and the basic options, how to use the task pane (a feature of XP) and where you can get help. We look at how templates can save you time and effort. And, once we've done all that, we'll try to help you solve problems you may be having with any of these components.
Advanced MS Office classes	When you see the word "Advanced" or even "Intermediate", you should think of these as classes that go beyond the beginning skills in Word, EXCEL and PowerPoint. What's a wizard? How do you put a spreadsheet into a Word document? How do you number, format, or index pages? But as with our other classes, the emphasis is on building on the skills and knowledge of the participants, and aiming at practical applications.
Build Your Own Website.	Have you ever wanted to create a weblog (blog)? Do you know how to get started? Would a full-blown website be a better investment of your time? These are among the issues we look at in this class. We also teach some simple HTML, and offer you suggestions about website software that makes it a lot easier to build a real site.
Power Searching on the Internet	Although every class we offer in some way involves the use of the Internet, these classes concentrate on how best to search for information, using the best search engines and resources we know about. Come with specific topics in mind and find out how easy it is to become an expert searcher.
Google	Google offers so many useful services online that we can only scratch the surface of the most useful and interesting ones. These classes will present various Google online tools, and the expectation is that if you don't already have a Google account, you'll get one by the end of the class. How have you lived without it so far?
Resources for upgrading your Office Skills	Many people find themselves having to refresh their skills with Word and Excel in particular, owing to the constant upgrading of these programs. If you're one of these skill-seekers, this series of classes will provide you with a higher comfort level. The series repeats each month.
Classes other than the above.	Classes are often topically oriented, still for beginners, on such subjects as Digital Photography, Exploring Ebay, Internet Searching, Using a Scanner, Making a Webpage, Finding Music and the Arts on the Internet. If you have a topic to suggest, don't be shy. You can leave your suggestion with any Information Desk staff member, or email b.hudgins @ lanepl.org